Overton Prize

The Overton Prize was established by the ISCB in memory of G. Christian Overton, a major contributor to the field of bioinformatics and a member of the ISCB Board of Directors who died unexpectedly in 2000. The annual prize is awarded for outstanding accomplishment to a scientist in the early to mid-career stage (up to a decade post-degree or equivalent experience), who has already made a significant contribution to the field of computational biology.

ISCB recognizes that career paths may take many forms and that the definition of “early/mid-career” is fluid; supports researchers taking time off for maternity/paternity, care for a family member, an event of personal disability or other factors. A nominee may qualify for the Overton Prize even though their actual years since degree is above the set threshold. It is the responsibility of the nominator to indicate any time-off taken by the nominee when submitting the nomination form. ISCB may deduct the equivalent time for the maternity/paternity leave, care for a family member or personal disability from the set award thresholds using guidance established by the European Research Council (page 19, paragraph 5).

2025 ISCB Overton Prize: James Zou